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Author Biography

At only 18 years of age, RJ Tolson became CEO of a multi-divisional corporation, founded an international charity, Forever Trust, which supports 58 U.S. based international relief and development organizations, and published an award-winning coming of age, metaphysical and visionary teen and young adult science fiction and fantasy book, Chaos Chronicles Book 1: Zephyr The West Wind. An adventure filled extravaganza of superheroes, mysteries, mythology, folklore, alien beings, paranormal power, and love and romance, Zephyr The West Wind, garnered him a Finalist Award in the 2013 Beverly Hills Book Awards and National Indie Excellence Book Awards and a 2015 Readers' Favorite Honorable Mention Award. His Zephyr The West Wind Original Book Soundtrack splendidly captures this award-winning and touching novel and displays his mastery of virtual orchestra composition.

Book Review

Reviewed by Maria Stoica for Readers' Favorite

Zephyr the West Wind by R.J. Tolson is the first book in the young adult fantasy series, Chaos Chronicles. Zephyr has the gift of understanding other people’s emotions, but he never managed to understand its use while growing up alone, isolated and hated by the other villagers on the small island of Dentro. Years ago, his mother had broken the village law by having a child with an outsider. Zephyr’s father had disappeared before his birth and his mother had died when he was young so the entire village's rage and disgust for his parents was aimed at Zephyr. Only the old village chief had the kindness to look after him. Now at seventeen years of age, Zephyr is ready to take his Trial of Adulthood which will get him off the island towards new lands in the world of Tye and, hopefully, towards some friendship. That is, if he survives it. The first and foremost task is to be selected by one of the five crystals: Sea, Ouranos, Void, Balance, or Dream which unlocks unknown powers within each individual.

The book is written in first person, following Zephyr’s perspective although there are a couple of chapters later on, written from another character’s perspective, also in first person. In the world of Tye, the king or chief is the strongest warrior of the people he is leading. Despite this apparently violent culture, there are those who do not think that brute force is the key to solving every conflict and they offer a moral balance over the entertaining and clean fighting scenes. R.J. has done an awesome job in creating a vivid world with amazing artifacts, giant lizard carriages, and flavored energy crystals which awaken one’s aura in different ways, thus enabling anime-like effects during fights. The plot twists are the best parts alongside the discovery of Zephyr’s powers, identity, and the use of his gift. There are bits of wisdom and introspection here and there which give depth to all the struggle and pain. I recommend Zephyr the West Wind to both young adults and adults since it is a great journey of self discovery in an exciting world.

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Readers1990

Reviewed by Dianne Bylo for TomeTender Blogspot

"Fantasy is like spaghetti sauce, everyone loves it, but it isn’t that often that the ingredients used are to everyone’s liking, no matter the age! Geared toward young teens and YA readers, Zephyr: The West Wind by R.J. Tolson is an invitation to fall into the story and be one of the characters, living and breathing the same air as Zephyr, no matter your age......R.J. Tolson has mastered storytelling, building a fantasy world that feels both ancient and contemporary by combining age old issues with the magic of make-believe." http://bit.ly/2dkGxHH

SouthernSoulsServeSciFiPl

Reviewed by Gwin Pearce for Awkward Reviews

"While the novel may have been set for a young audience I really appreciated the themes that were presented. Both Zephyr and Leon had great feelings of isolation, anger, and worthlessness that had grown throughout their lives. They both were talented in the use of their powers and were passionate about their cause. However, the route that each took in pursuit of their cause was quite different. One could choose to take a path of darkness and use hatred and selfishness to spur revenge, or one could take the path of the light which focused on helping others without hesitation......I also enjoyed that while the story followed the traditional archetypal path of a hero’s journey, it was not a simple linear path. Zephyr and Leon did not just keep leveling up their power and immediately become capable of taking down their enemies. In fact, throughout most of the story they were constantly made aware that they were not as strong as they needed to be. Even after training for three months extensively the people they faced were still far above them in power and ability. This is not a bad thing. It showed the need for training and attention to learning, the need for perseverance in attaining high goals, and that there is no shame in failure." http://awkwardreview.com/chaos-chronicles-book-one-zephyr-the-west-wind-review/

Fantasy First

Reviewed by Sabrina for Rockin' Book Reviews

"Zephyr, for me, is a mix between Percy Jackson and The Giver. I really enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. The world build was amazing. It were very descriptive and well written. The events were described clearly and overall it was a really entertaining book. There is a lot of action and it is fast paced.I think this book would especially appeal to boys 10-16ish. It is definitely a coming of age story within the fantasy genre. There were a few quirks like Zephyr always "laughing out loud" or "chuckling" but I think those were intentional to show his personality. I think I would love more dialogue and character interaction in the coming books however this was a fabulous beginning to the series." http://tinyurl.com/hq4phw2

Angeline P.

Reviewed by Angie Coates for Rockin' Book Reviews

"Zephyr the West Wind is the first book in the series the Chaos Chronicles by R.J. Tolson. It is an exciting life adventure for a young boy coming of age and learning and training to be the person he was meant to be. This is a story of courage and learning ones self worth isn't dependent on what circumstances he or she is born into, neither is it dependent on what others think of you, but of what you think of yourself and looking for meaning and inspiration from those who are worthy of your time and attention.

I thought this book was written very well. The author showed so much creativity and imagination in creating the characters and story line. It amazes me that the author as young as he is so accomplished and has written a really fantastic book in Zephyr. I think this is a great book and have already recommended it to my 13 year old son. It is a very clean fun and adventurous book for young adults and really anyone who loves a good fantasy...."

tracey anarella

I've known RJ for three years now. I have have seen him grow, mature and become more successful as an author. He is going to go very far in life. We're very proud of you. All the best to you RJ!

Nolan Kabrich

This book is awesome! I read this book in about three days and couldn't get enough of it! It's amazing he wrote it at such a young age!

Kim King

RJ has such a lithe literary mind, that one forgets the fictive elements of the text. That's how well developed RJ's writing style is. Bravo, Sir!

Will Kniseley

Tolson's works are clever and creative...very engaging for the young reader. Even those kids who think that books are like spinach enjoy his stories.

S. Peterson

I'm currently reading Zephyr The West Wind and just 90 pages shy of completing it. What a pleasure it's proven to be thus far! Initially, I started reading it with the hope of finding a good book to give my young nieces and nephews for Christmas. Now I'm rather hooked on RJ Tolson's Chaos Chronicle Series and style of writing. It's vivid and allows the reader to feel as though he or she is there experiencing what the characters experience. I especially like that RJ Tolson tackles challenging issues like bullying, betrayal and forgiveness in a creative way that is sure to capture the attention of young readers and the hearts of more mature ones.
I was curious about this young writer, did some research and found this CBS TV interview on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EzbiMmubBs How impressive it is that he's also founded an international charity. Can't wait to give Zephyr The West Wind to my nieces and nephews and share RJ Tolson's accomplishments at such a young age with them.

Deborah Jefferson

My daughters read this book and they just had to have the next one. Love the story!

Carolyn B.

This book is a great read for readers of any age. RJ is a tremendous young talent and has extraordinary creative ability. Remember him! His drive, talent and focus on always giving back will make him a household name someday soon!

VHW

Zephyr the West Wind is an amazing piece of literature. Fantasy books are my absolute favorite and this book is definitely on my Top 10 list of books to read. I would recommend that anyone who loves to read fiction/fantasies check this book out, especially high schoolers. This is a book that everyone would enjoy.

W. Chambliss

Very impressive young author with a lot of potentional. Cannot wait for the next work.

PKA

This is a perfect present for a teen as it is coming of age book dealing with the issues of growing up.

Anjeza Gega

Loved every minute of this book. The story is so intense and descriptive that you feel no longer as a reader but as a character inside the story hiding behind the leaves to experience everything. Book embellishes emotion, strength, inspiration, discipline so perfectly that as a reader I asked myself- What if this world really existed? You become a fan of Zephyr.. first loving the little orphan boy ...and then cheering up for his genuine soul and desire to always chose the right path. This book reminds me of the story of Dragon Ball and the book Alchemist from Paulo Coelho. (I adore both stories)

I have respect and admiration for RJ Tolson. This young man is a fountain of surprises. From writing books to producing music, to public speaking and tv interviews. A true inspiration...
Looking forward to see him reach bigger stages and recognitions... He truly deserves it ...

A White

Good luck with the series. I'm inspired by how you published it at such a young age.

A.J. King

R.J. demonstrates such writing skill and mastery in Zephyr the West. It is a phenomenal jump-start to a budding series that one should add to their libraries. Kudos young Tolson, love the creativity and passion!!

Samantha

I really liked this book it was very dicriptive to the point where I could image alll the settings

Samantha

Also I really enjoyed learning about the back stories of all the characters (especially Autumn) and how their tribulation through life caused them to change in the current timeline.

Alinka Rutkowska

A wonderful book and a fantastic cover! I saw it featured on major networks :)

Kevin Wood

After reading his second book “Hugh the Southern Flame”, I was excited to pick this up! You will not be disappointed by how fast you find yourself flipping through the pages. RJ is a creative at work when he writes while his stories seem to engulf his readers in the expansive world he creates. I’m looking forward to more of the #youngadult #fiction #fantasy work by such a young and accomplished author and grabbing my next copy at #PlayListLive